Elbow ailment forces Blanton to DL

Phillies recall Worley to make Friday start against Mets

By Todd Zolecki / MLB.com

PHILADELPHIA -- The injuries continue to mount for the Phillies.

Right-hander Joe Blanton was placed on the 15-day disabled list on Thursday with a medial impingement in his right elbow. The move is retroactive to April 24, which means he can be activated as early as May 9.

General manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said that Blanton experienced some discomfort in the elbow during his last two starts, and although he was able to pitch through it, the problem intensified while he was preparing for Friday's start against the Mets at Citizens Bank Park.

Blanton underwent an MRI on Thursday morning, and the Phillies decided to place him on the DL to calm the elbow.

Amaro is optimistic that the issue is not a long-term one.

"It's actually pretty good news," Amaro said.

Right-hander Vance Worley was recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley and will pitch on Friday. Worley is 2-2 with a 2.78 ERA in four starts this season with the IronPigs.

Blanton is 0-1 with a 5.92 ERA in four starts this season, although he had a 2.57 ERA over his last two outings.

Blanton will likely be the only player added to the DL before Friday's game. Catcher Carlos Ruiz, who left Wednesday's game in Arizona because of a back injury, also underwent an MRI on Thursday, but Amaro said the club will try resting him for a few days.

Amaro also said that the Phillies plan to call up a catcher to have some insurance while Ruiz is out, but no roster decision has been made.